The world famous US 101, also called Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is one of the world's most stunning scenic drives offering several pullovers to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. We've a crazy day infront of us, with over 14 hrs of driving!
A unique work of Northwest and dedicated by the Great Northern Railway in 1926, the Astoria Column stands today as a monument to those people
The column offers spectacular view of the historic city and its surrounding rivers, bay, forest, mountains, and ocean.
Featured in countless novels, television programs, and movies Haystack Rock is a basalt sea stack rising 235 feet over the shoreline of Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach's breathtaking beauty and pristine sand beaches have been inspiring creativity for decade
Not only is Haystack Rock one of the most prominent landmarks in the state of Oregon — it's also one of the most photographed so how can I miss a photo-op?
Hugging the ocean, we took a detour to do the "Three Capes Scenic Route" starting with Cape Meares
The twisting road offers glimpses of the ocean, running through quaint beach towns, dairy country, and second-growth forest.
Cape Lookout is one of the best spots along the Oregon Coast, as the views from the peak allow you to see for miles in all directions
And the final stop is Bob straub state park with grassy dunes, long stretches soft sand with mild waves and Cape Kiwanda.
Yeah another beach stop and framed to the north by Cascade Head, Roads End offers miles of pristine beaches and million-dollar views of the coastline.
Rocky Creek is a spectacular ocean-front park on a forested bluff overlooking the ocean!
With sweeping ocean views, golden stretches of sand as far as the eye can see and craggy cliffs dotted with lighthouses, a journey down the Oregon coast is considered one of the world's best road trips.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached, and the only historic wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing.
Racing against time and the sunset to reach ...
And ending the loong day with a beautiful sunset at Cape Perpetua, near Thor's Well!
Our stop for the next day is Crater Lake - the deepest water in the country, filling a sleeping, dormant volcano and it is also the seventh deepest lake in the world
Let's do a small hike to get to the lake and see the deep blue water in person!
Sad that we chose a bad day when the lake was clouded by smoke of forest fire :(
All agree that Crater Lake must be seen to be appreciated properly. Photographs simply cannot depict the majesty of the lake in its setting, the depth of the blue. Infact, there are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; the evaporation is compensated for by rain and snowfall at a rate such that the total amount of water is replaced every 250 years
We also did a Rim Drive and stopped at places like Pumice Castle Overlook - a burnt-orange pumice rock that juts out from the cliff and has eroded into the shape of a medieval castle.
Followed by Pinnacle Lookout where we saw 100-foot high spires eroding from the canyon wall.
Built in 1914 in French Renaissance style, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology
The eastern lawn provides spectacular views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood
Considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty!
An authentic tea house :)
The Strolling Pond Garden is the largest and contains multiple areas. Lower pond is home to many koi and a viewpoint for the beautiful Heavenly Falls.
The Sand and Stone Garden contains weathered stones rising from rippled sand suggestive of the water!
The Garden Pavilion was built with tiled roof, wooden verandas, and Shōji sliding doors.
